The familiar sights and sounds of neighbors milling about the Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market will seem a little different this year, at least in the beginning of the season. Health and safety restrictions and precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have dictated a change in the way we do many things these days.
But the market, including both its organizers and vendors, has instituted a number of changes to ensure the health and safety of the public as best it can.
"People can expect all of the wonderful produce and baked goods that they’re accustomed to, just in a different delivery system," says Carol Moody, coordinator for the Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market.
Mt. Pleasant, which has two farmers markets, one on Thursdays at Island Park and one on Saturdays in the Town Center downtown, is set to kick off its season this Thursday, June 4, at Island Park. The opening of the downtown market is scheduled for Saturday, June 20.
The markets are scheduled to run through October.
Market capacity has been limited and a line will form for admittance. For those that do not want to wait in line, customers can pre-register via the market website to reserve 20-minute shopping windows.
![]()
The market, including both its organizers and vendors, has instituted a number of changes to ensure the health and safety of the public as best it can.
One-way lanes will be set up to encourage social distancing. Customers will be encouraged to "shop with their eyes" as vendors will pick and bag any produce desired. Masks will be required.
Shoppers can pre-order online for curbside pick-up. When shopping on site, customers will be encouraged to use credit and debit cards, food assistance tokens, or exact dollar amounts. Change will not be given.
It may take some getting used to, but that’s true for the market itself, too.
"We hope that as the season progresses, we’ll see restrictions lifted and the market can follow suit," Moody says.
"We’ll evaluate each week, make improvements, and go from there."
For more information about market guidelines, registrations, and vendors, visit the Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market online.
Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.